85 | Just make the night unforgettable
It's been two weeks since therapy began, steady steps forward, and every night I fall asleep wrapped in Luciano's arms, his presence helping ease the weight of my past.
The Costa Ball is just ahead, and I've taken the lead.
My theme: a Shakespearean world touched by mystery and romance. A space where star-crossed lovers and enchanted forests set the tone, and where our own love story, dark, complicated, but real, can unfold beneath the lights.
I sit at a round table with sketches spread before me. Three planners sit nearby. Lina, sharp and efficient. Enzo, full of theatrical flair. Sophie, thoughtful and calm, her creativity coming alive through food.
They're here to help bring this night to life, but the voice shaping the ball is mine.
I smooth the hem of my emerald sweater. My heart thuds a little faster as I speak.
"All right," I begin, my voice steady. "The Costa Ball's theme is a Shakespearean twist, something between A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet.
But with a magical, mysterious edge. I want it to feel like you've stepped into another world, where love feels dangerous and beautiful all at once. "
Lina leans in, her pen poised after writing down my ideas. "That's a strong vision. Tragic romance, fantasy, a bit of mischief. Let's talk about the dress code. What do you imagine?"
I glance at a sketch of a gown. Luciano's face flickers in my mind, his dark eyes, the way he looks at me like I'm something precious.
"Ball gowns," I say. "In rich colors like deep purple, midnight blue, and crimson.
Soft, flowing fabrics like silk, tulle, and lace with small details to make them special.
And tailored or tuxedos made of velvet or textured fabric.
Dark colors, maybe with a touch of green or burgundy, and little extras like a rose pin or a feather?
Everyone should look like they stepped out of a play, caught between love and danger. "
Enzo lights up, clapping once. "That sounds amazing! That palette, that drama, gorgeous. What about masks? A little mystery could be perfect."
I smile, imagining Luciano in a mask, his gaze locking on mine across the ballroom.
"Yes," I say. "Masks for everyone. Not required, but encouraged. Gold, silver, or black, maybe with moons or stars etched into them. It adds to the feeling that every dance holds a secret."
Sophie speaks up gently. "And the food? Shakespearean feasts were rich, but magic makes me think delicate. How do we blend the two?"
I picture candlelit tables, Luciano's hand brushing mine between courses.
"Start with something rich but elegant," I say.
"Quail stuffed with herbs, lamb with rosemary.
Add some lighter foods too, like fresh salads with edible flowers and soft bread flavored with fennel.
For drinks, we'll serve warm mulled wine with spices or refreshing gin cocktails with a hint of elderflower.
Desserts should feel magical like chocolate truffles with gold dust, sweet figs drizzled with honey, or heart-shaped cakes split down the middle to match the theme of love and heartbreak. "
Lina nods as she writes. "We'll use dark tablecloths, maybe silver runners. Moss and candles for the centerpieces to give that forest feeling. What about the invitations?"
I slide over the design I drafted. Heavy cream paper with black calligraphy, sealed with golden wax.
"These," I say. "The message should feel like a spell, and add a note about the dress code and a hint about the auction, but keep it poetic."
Enzo picks it up, running his fingers over the seal. "Bellissimo. Can we include something tactile inside? A ribbon, maybe? Or a dried petal?"
I nod, imagining the effect. "Yes. A single rose petal, or a thin black ribbon. It's small, but it sets the tone. Romantic, with a little danger."
Sophie glances up from her notes. "And the auction? How do we work that in without breaking the mood?"
I pause, thinking of the ball's deeper purpose, of power and image.
"We make it feel like part of the story," I say. "Dim the lights, bring out a velvet-draped platform. The auctioneer becomes a character, presenting each item like it's a piece of legend, a jeweled dagger, a rare book, a necklace Juliet could've worn. People bid to own a part of the night."
Lina looks at me with something like respect. "You've really thought this through. It's more than an event. You're building a world. We'll start gathering materials. Anything else before we go?"
I shake my head, heart full. This is mine, a reflection of who I'm becoming.
"Just make the night unforgettable," I say quietly. "I want people to feel it. The love, the mystery."
They finally gather their notes and begin to leave. I stay for a moment, looking at my sketches, my vision.
I think about Luciano, about everything we've been through, and how the fire inside me isn't just from pain anymore, it has meaning now.
This ball is my way of saying it out loud. I'm still standing. I'm getting better. I'm his.
And this night will show all of that.